Over the past several weeks I have received multiple copies of an unsolicited ad from what I assume is an India-based outfit called "Novel Patent Services". I often get these kinds ads, from different companies, usually offering drawing services, or paralegal services, or search services, and in some cases help with US patent drafting and prosecution. This ad stated,
"I understand that navigating the patent application process can be a complex endeavor, especially with challenges such as high costs and missed deadlines. Many firms in the industry prioritize profit over client satisfaction, leading to exorbitant fees and delays that can jeopardize your patent get abandoned. At Novel Patent Services, our team of experienced patent attorneys is well-versed in managing such challenges and have a proven track record of successfully handling over 2,000 patent applications, we guide you through the intricacies of the patent process.
"We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality, ensuring that your application receives the attention and expertise it deserves. Our team is committed to meeting tight deadlines, and we anticipate being able to prepare and submit the response to the USPTO within 10-15 working days for a fee of just $350.
"To demonstrate our capabilities, please find attached images of two recent patent grants secured by our firm in the recent past. These successes highlight our ability to effectively navigate the patent application process and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
"We would be delighted to discuss your specific needs and explore how we can assist you in overcoming the challenges. Do contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule a consultation for free."
Contra what is stated in the highlighted part, there was nothing attached. Not in any of the emails. You'd think they could get it right at least once. (I also wonder why the word "recent" appears twice in the highlighted part.) And the email wasn't signed by a person, it was signed "Novel Patent Services", so why did it say "I understand..." in the singular - especially when elsewhere it uses the plural "We offer" and "We would"?
But real the kicker was in the first line of the email, which reads:
"We are writing to follow up on your patent application #: 18XXXXXX for the title: WXYZ which recently received a Application Undergoing Preexam Processing from the USPTO with a due date to respond 08-15-24."
Um, there ain't no deadline in this case. There's nothing to respond to right now. We filed the application, got a notice of missing parts that had a due date of August 15, timely responded to the notice of missing parts and filed an IDS...and then the application published. Which is how these bozos were able to see the file in the first place. But as of August 15, 2024, there was nothing to respond to. Nor is there anything outstanding today. And the USPTO never, ever sends out anything titled "application undergoing preexam processing". That's just the status of the file.
I've set my spam filter to catch anything further from these guys.